A 14-year-old boy has been charged with multiple counts of theft after allegedly stealing more than $21,000 worth of alcohol from various liquor stores across Canberra.
Between 24 May and 5 September this year (2025), police allege the boy was involved in 36 alcohol thefts at liquor stores in South Canberra, Kaleen and Franklin.
About 6:20pm last Thursday 2 October, police located the boy at a shopping centre in Tuggeranong and he was placed under arrest.
He has been charged with 18 counts of minor theft and 18 counts of joint commission minor theft.
He faced the ACT Children’s Court on Friday 3 October and was remanded. He will next appear in the ACT Children’s Court on 20 October 2025.
Operation RETAIL launched last week and is continuing this month. The month-long campaign is focusing on deterring anti-social behaviour, reducing retail theft, enhancing public perceptions of safety and improving business safety and security.
ACT Policing will continue to increase patrols of shopping centres, work with loss prevention officers and engage with business owners to address criminal activity occurring in shopping centres.
